If you grew up in Utah County, you probably remember Allen's. The family-owned grocery chain was a fixture here for decades. The North Orem store at 1890 North State Street was one of the last standing, even after the chain closed. The building has sat largely empty ever since, owned by Kneaders and used for warehouse and operational purposes while the surrounding neighborhood waited.
That wait appears to be over. Demolition is actively underway, and a development proposal has made it to the Orem Planning Commission.
What's being proposed
The Orem Planning Commission recently reviewed a concept plan amendment for the site. The proposed development, anchored by a new home improvement retailer called HomeBuilt being developed by Clyde Companies, would transform the property into a mixed-use commercial destination.
According to planning documents reviewed by the commission, the development would include:
A 30,822-square-foot HomeBuilt store offering lumber, lawn and garden supplies, building materials, and retail merchandise, with covered contractor pickup areas, outdoor display space, and dedicated loading facilities, designed to serve both homeowners and construction professionals.
A two-story, 16,000-square-foot retail and office building.
A 3,200-square-foot drive-through restaurant.
The existing Kneaders building would remain as part of the development.
New parking, landscaping, and circulation improvements throughout the site.
The building has been designed with a stepped roofline on the east side to reduce height adjacent to the residential neighborhood that borders the property, a design concession that reflects the Planning Commission's attention to the surrounding community.
Where this stands right now
The Planning Commission's action was on a concept plan amendment only. Before anything is built, the developer must return with detailed site plans, landscaping plans, engineering documents, lighting plans, drainage plans, and other required approvals. Final approval from the Orem City Council is also required.
This is still in the planning process. But the concept has moved through the commission, demolition is underway on the existing building, and the trajectory appears to be moving forward.
Why this matters for north Orem
The Allen's site sits at 1890 North State Street, a high-visibility location along one of Orem's primary commercial corridors. A property that has sat largely vacant for years at that address has suppressed the economic activity that should naturally exist there.
For homeowners near the site: this is worth tracking through the city approval process. The concept plan is approved at the commission level but the detailed plans still go through public review before construction begins. Homes border the east side of the property directly, and the traffic, lighting, and daily activity of a commercial development of this scale will be meaningfully different from a vacant building.
For buyers considering north Orem: a redeveloped corner of this type, anchored by a home improvement retailer and restaurant, tends to increase daily convenience and commercial activity in the surrounding area. Whether that translates to property value impact depends on final design execution and how traffic and access is managed.
What to watch
The next steps are at the Orem City Council, where the concept plan amendment requires final approval. After that, the developer returns with full engineering and site plans before permits are issued. The Orem planning calendar is available at orem.org.
If you live near this site or own property in north Orem, following the council agenda is the way to stay ahead of decisions before they are finalized. Reach out to Foundry Group if you have questions about how this might affect your property.
Sources:
Pleasant Grove Watchdogs Facebook, July 16, 2026
What's Happening in Orem Facebook group, July 17, 2026
New Orem Developments Facebook group, July 16, 2026
FAQ
What is being built on the old Allen's grocery store site in Orem?
The property at 1890 North State Street in north Orem is being redeveloped into a mixed-use commercial development. The anchor tenant is HomeBuilt, a new home improvement retailer being developed by Clyde Companies. The concept plan also includes a two-story retail and office building, a drive-through restaurant, and the existing Kneaders building.
What is HomeBuilt?
HomeBuilt is a new home improvement retail concept being developed by Clyde Companies. It will offer lumber, lawn and garden supplies, building materials, and retail merchandise, with covered contractor pickup areas and outdoor display space designed to serve both homeowners and construction professionals.
Has the Orem Allen's redevelopment been approved?
The Orem Planning Commission reviewed and acted on a concept plan amendment. Final approval from the Orem City Council is still required, followed by detailed site plan, engineering, landscaping, lighting, and drainage approvals before construction can begin. Demolition of the existing building is currently underway.
When did Allen's Super Save close in Orem?
Allen's Super Save Markets closed its remaining Utah County locations in January 2018. The Orem building at 1890 North State Street has been owned by Kneaders and used primarily for warehouse and operational purposes since then.
How will the redevelopment affect nearby homes in north Orem?
Homes directly border the east side of the property. The concept plan includes a stepped roofline on that side to reduce building height adjacent to the neighborhood. Traffic, lighting, and daily commercial activity will increase significantly from the current vacant-building situation. Homeowners near the site should follow the city approval process to stay informed about final design details.
Where can I follow updates on the Orem Allen's redevelopment?
Monitor the Orem City Council agenda at orem.org for the concept plan approval and subsequent site plan reviews. The Facebook groups What's Happening in Orem and New Orem Developments have been actively tracking this story with photos and planning documents.
